Boston’s Uehara makes closer role his own

Although Farrell conceded Uehara was promoted out of necessity, it is not like the team did not see the potential from the start.

“We knew he was going to be a key contributor toward the back end of the bullpen,” Farrell said last week.

“His track record indicates that... And I keep going back to the fact that he’s not doing something this year that is so out of the norm for him. He’s been a very successful pitcher, whether it’s been in Japan or here, but the fact he’s the closer here, he’s gained the notoriety that he deserves,” Farrell added.